About 111 women die of breast cancer every day in the United States. A million teenagers get pregnant each year. Someone dies every thirty-one minutes because of drunken drivers. I'm not writing this to bum you out. But you might be thinking, There are so many problems, there's no way that I or any one person could solve anything.

When civil-rights activist Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a public bus in 1955, she never dreamed of the impact she would have on millions of lives. "I didn't have any idea just what my actions would bring about," she said years later. "At the time I was arrested I didn't know how the community would react." The reason Ms. Parks didn't get up is that she knew the racist laws were wrong.

Rosa Parks is just one of the thousands of influential people whose actions changed the views of many people today. Think about Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Greg Mortenson, John Woolman, Madame Curie (if you don't know them, check them out; they're all remarkable). Sometimes small acts significantly affect a large group of people. But even when they don't, they can have a big influence, maybe on just one individual.

So don't get discouraged because you can't solve a whole problem alone. As the British philosopher Edmund Burke said, "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." I know exactly what he was talking about. Before our family project I kept telling myself that no matter how hard I tried or how much money I gave, I would never be able to fully solve any of the world's big problems. When I worked at Café 458, the Atlanta restaurant for homeless men and women, I saw dozens of people come in looking depressed and lonely. But still I didn't see them as individuals, but instead as a group, "the homeless."

Then one day at Café 458 I heard two homeless men talking about a college basketball game that I had watched with my dad the night before. I snapped to the realization that these people are people. How stupid and rude I had been to see them as different from me. I realize now that having that epiphany was a big step for me. In that split second of comprehension, I switched from seeing them as a group of people to viewing them as individuals. When I started seeing people in need as individuals, the problem of homelessness and hunger seemed smaller and I felt like I could make more of a difference. I also started believing that I could help because the problem was on a personal level.

Activity

Think of a person from your community who inspires you. Look beyond his or her specific actions to the kind of qualities that person brings to work or volunteer activities. For example, some people are better at creating new programs than at actually putting them into action; other people are doers, ready to take someone else's ideas and run with them. Is that aunt in your family a problem-solver? A good listener? An inspirer?

Now think about your strengths in the same light. If you took your best characteristics out into the world, how could you use them to make a difference? Are you patient? Maybe you would be a good tutor. Are you musical? Maybe you could be playing the guitar at a nursing home (and bringing your family along to sing -- no talent required). We all have gifts the world can use.

Kevin Salwen, coauthor of The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back, was reporter and editor at The Wall Street Journalfor over 18 years. After his tenure at The Wall Street Journal, he started a magazine, Motto. He serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, and works with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Hannah Salwen, coauthor of The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back, will be a junior at the Atlanta Girls' School, where she plays for the varsity volleyball team, and is her grade's representative to the student council. She has been volunteering consistently since the 5th grade at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Cafe 458, among others.

"A mile a minute - that is how fast your child can disappear." Haunting and truthful words posted on the website for Klaas Kids.

On Friday, February 19th, Margaret McSweeney will interview Marc Klaas, father of Polly Klaas who was kidnapped and murdered in 1993. As a legacy to his daughter, Marc founded KlaasKids Foundation to help stop crimes against children. Please tune in to Kitchen Chat with Margaret McSweeney Friday at 11:00 am CST!

Here is an excerpt from Marc's journal that is posted online:

"There is nothing that can prepare one for a murder trial. My family sits as the last few hours in Polly's life are dissected, analyzed, de-constructed, reconstructed, cross-referenced and compartmentalized. The constant assault on our sensibilities by horrible revelations that defy the principles of civilization seem overwhelming much of the time. It is impossible to withstand or rise above the continual dehumanizing facts that are revealed in a constant, monotonous stream of revelation. There is no room for anything but the processing of nightmarish information. The killer laughs throughout the video tape and I want to shout, yet I must sit unflinching and stone-faced for fear of causing a mistrial. Every day my family is drawn into the world of murder, mayhem, rape and deprivation and there is no way out."

Learn about effective ways to keep your children safe from harm and find out what you can do to help stop crimes against kids. Please tune in and call in with your questions for Marc this Friday 11-12 CST on Kitchen Chat.

I am so excited to be able to tell you that I've been named an official The View brand Ambassador!

This was offered through MomCentral and I jumped on it when the opportunity arose. I am a died-in-the-wool View fan. It's one program I don't miss during my day. I've watched it for years and I love 'the girls' of The View!

One of the really exciting things that is happening as part of this campaign is the exciting The View sweepstakes that's currently being run on the Mom Central website. One lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive a trip to New York City to watch a taping of The View! The sweepstakes is open until February 28th and is open to everyone so make sure you head over and register for this exciting event!

Description (Publisher Website)
In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

Siri Mitchell has written six novels, two of which (Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door) were named Christy Award Finalists. A graduate from the University of Washington with a business degree, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She currently resides in the Washington DC metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com

Review

When I started this book, I thought it was going to be a typical historical fiction romance. This book is anything but typical. There is a depth and beauty to the story that really is far beyond the norm. The writing is beautiful, and I really look forward to reading more by Siri Mitchell.

I have to admit that at first I was really drawn to the cover. I am a total sucker for a good cover, and in my opinion this book has a great one! Once I started reading, I was really drawn into the story. The story is very complex and not at all a light fluffy romance. The characters are well rounded, and both the characters and the story take the reader to unexpected places. There was an incredible amount of information just about the daily lives of these early Americans.

I'd highly recommend this book. While it's labeled as Christian Fiction, any lover of historical romance will enjoy the book. As I stated before, this isn't a light, fluffy romance. This story will pull you in and keep you reading. I finished the book in one day - I couldn't put it down. Definitely a book worth reading and recommending.

LuShae Jewelry (who I recently reviewed here) is having a CONTEST! Go HERE to enter for the chance to win $5000 cash (to spend anywhere you like). All you have to do is enter your name, email address and blog URL and also display one of their jewelry badges on your blog (you'll see mine up to the left!), website or social profile page and you will be automatically entered each and every month.

This giveaway is open to all countries. They also draw $200 monthly to a random winner. Everyone who enters will also receive a 15% discount off the entire LuShae Jewelry range!

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

Jessica V. Psalidas is the authority on purity and spiritual growth. She has impacted the lives of many and continues to do so through her bestselling books like Everlasting Purity (which also won the 2008 Christian Choice Book Award). Jessica is requested by all walks of life for coaching and the teaching on spiritual growth and purity.

Jessica is a cum laude graduate of the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico with a degree in Business. She also has completed studies such as Faith Foundations at the Institute for Christian Living with Charles Stanley and The Way of the Master at The School of Biblical Evangelism. Fueled with a passion to continue to study the Word of God and to serve the Lord, Jessica continues to have a daily commitment to learn as much as she can. Jessica also serves the Lord by helping younger women understand the importance of purity and how to apply it in their everyday life.

Jessica is a successful entrepreneur and President of two companies. A much sought after writer and coach, Jessica has over 17 years of experience working in the sales and business world and lives to reach out to people to impact their lives.

This book will provide an in-depth look at what we spend our money on, why we should stay away from certain things that waste our money, and why we need to have a vision about money. I think money – the use and management of it – is very important in our lives. Once you develop a vision, you will have a clear idea of what you want in life and what action you will need to take in order to get there.

What is your financial purity portfolio? Many people have heard of a financial portfolio, but what is a financial purity portfolio, and why is it different? As we discover the answer to that question we will examine money in a different light, in a simple way that allows us to be clear about the use and management of our money. We will go beyond what we have in savings and investments and look into some of our day to day spending habits and frequent purchases, as well as why we save, why we tithe, why we should have a will, and what can happen when we spend our money on wasteful vices. Most importantly, in this book I will encourage everyone to develop a financial vision for themselves and their family.

Having a vision gives you clarity as to what you want and what you need to do to get there. It gives purpose and focus to your money management and to the outlook you have concerning your money. Many people that I talk to about money have a grim view of it because they do not have enough of it on hand at any given time or they do not earn enough of it. I encourage you to have a positive, realistic outlook and attitude toward money for your own financial welfare. It does you no good to be irritated or upset about your financial status right now, because with a great attitude and determination, you can change your situation.

Developing a vision for your finances is the first step in building your financial purity portfolio. Utilizing and managing your money purely and cleanly, meaning spending your money on necessary and wholesome things, is one of the most important steps in developing your financial purity portfolio.

Some people may think it is hard to focus on developing a vision due to their own difficult financial situation or, as some call it, the “financial crisis” we are experiencing in the U.S. at the time of this writing. If this describes you, please be encouraged! I would like to share with you some steps that I have implemented in my life to remain joyful and hopeful during any trying situation that comes along.

Everyone seems to be in a state of panic over the financial situation in the U.S. economy, and it both saddens and frustrates me at the same time. We are, to a certain extent, part of the reason why our country is the way it is. When our morale goes down, so does everything else. We are gripped by fear over temporary difficulties that will soon pass. This country has experienced many challenging situations before, and we have always gotten through them. We will get through this too. We need to remain positive, encouraged, and stimulated to find new and exciting ways to spur our economic growth. We need to be stronger in prayer, which will keep our morale high. If we all lifted our spirits up higher and kept a positive attitude, we would experience a change for the better. Nothing good will come out of us being depressed, upset, angry, or fearful. These emotions will not get us ahead but rather will only hold us back. Stay in prayer and remain hopeful in God.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Have I not commanded? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This is not the first time we have ever gone through a financial situation (or “crisis” as some may call it) in this nation. We will survive, and we will get through this. Do not corrupt your mind with negative thoughts such as, “Oh, no … the world is falling apart!” Thinking this way will cause much devastation to your otherwise positive mindset, and it will keep your fears very much alive. On the contrary, you will be amazed at what can happen to your morale and your spirits when you remain positive, jovial, and at peace about the situation. Because this is not the first time our country has experienced something like this, I know the situation will get better soon. We will get better. I believe that by changing our outlook, adjusting our lifestyles, and remaining positive, we will do a great service those around us and to ourselves. Stay in prayer, remain spiritually strong, and most importantly, remain happy.

ReviewThis was a really fresh, new look at money and managing it that has me really excited! Instead of the usual boring book that drones on and on with complicated financial advice, this book will keep you reading til the end!

Description(Publisher Website)
How do you go about losing 215 pounds? The same way you gain it—one step at a time. In Start Somewhere, Christian singer/songwriter Calvin Nowell shares the story of his astonishing weight-loss journey, his search for a truly healthy lifestyle, and his faith that made it all possible. Not your usual “quick-fix” diet book, Start Somewhere offers a path to lasting, transformational change—starting from the inside out—to everyone who feels trapped by unhealthy behaviors or circumstances.

Potential: capable of being, but not yet in existence. This definition best describes the life journey of Calvin Nowell. Pursuing purpose and destiny has been the path he has taken for most of his life. Knowing it was there but not understanding how to manifest it was the struggle he faced for years. Eventually, he decided to start somewhere. This Nashville-based artist had spent his entire life struggling with his weight until he found the strength and willpower to fight his final battle of the bulge. Now, 215 pounds lighter, Nowell brings new meaning to the term "living large." A worship leader, session singer, and songwriter since 2000, Nowell has recorded and toured with well-known artists such as Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Nicole C. Mullen, and Israel Houghton. Two songs from his 2007 CD release, Start Somewhere ("Unrestrained" and "Receive"), have been featured on Worship Leader magazine's Song Discovery CDs. "Unrestrained" can be heard on recordings such as CeCe Winans' Pure Worship release, American Idol Mandisa's True Beauty release, and EMI gospel artist Myron Butler & Levi's Stronger. Calvin has appeared on Billy Graham's Television Special, ABC's Good Morning America, TBN's Praise the Lord, and the Dove Awards. No longer relegated to the shadows as a background singer, Nowell has turned misery into ministry and is ready for his close-up as he brings his unique blend of music and testimony to audiences nationwide.

Review
I was totally blown away by this book. It was the message I needed to hear at this point in my spiritual and weight loss journey. My copy now has about 40 post it flags decorating it so I can refer back to it! This isn't a diet book or a workout book. Simply, it's about Calvin's journey on his weight loss. It's about getting honest with yourself and with God, it's about surrendering your will and gaining God's dreams for your life.

The biggest message in this book is that it isn't just about weight loss - it's about anything you're holding onto. Whether you're weighed down by addictions or abuse, the message in this book is that God still has a plan and you can leave it all behind and move forward. This book isn't about the end result, it's about the process and how we just have to "Start Somewhere".

Calvin tells us it's like picking up change. We may find a quarter today that doesn't seem like much, what can you buy with a quarter anymore? But if we find a quarter a day at the end of the week it's $1.75, at the end of the month it's $7 and if we keep going, at the end of a year we've collected $91. Losing weight, or addiction or anything that's weighing you down, is like that. Start with something, anything and it grows.

There is so much wisdom in this little book. This man has been there, he's suffered and he's used every excuse in the book just like we all have. While this book is definitely Christian, it will speak to anyone who is struggling to let go of something.

Thanks to Tyndale House for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book to read and review!

Being snowed in this past weekend had me dreaming of escaping to someplace a bit warmer! I've never been to Myrtle Beach, but so many people have told me how beautiful it is that I'd love to visit there. While I was day dreaming this weekend, I did a little research on Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotels and came across this beautiful looking resort called Seaside Resort.

This is no ordinary Myrtle Beach Hotel! Seaside Resort has 1,2 & 3 bedroom condo's for rent, 2 pools, 1 lazy river and 2 hot tubs. They also have dining, shopping and entertainment withing walking distance.

They are also located centrally to an unbelievable array of golf courses if you golf. The resort offers golf packages as well.

Right now I don't golf, but the courses look so gorgeous...and WARM! (keyword being warm!) that it made me want to book a golf package and play a few rounds! After all, I'm sure all that time playing golf on the wii has prepared me enough!

If you're like me and sick to death of the snow, and itching to check out a gorgeous Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel, you know exactly what I'm talking about!

I was going back through some of the kids school things and ran across some old papers. I had one child who seemed to breeze through school and another one who always seemed to struggle with things. At the time, where we lived there really wasn't any type of tutoring available other than running 50 miles and finding a Sylvan (which were way out of our price range!) Recently I had run across a tutoring site that I thought was interesting and I passed it along to some friends. I thought I'd pass it along to all of you...never know when someone will be able to use it.

From what I read, by using Tutornext, you'll get high-quality one-on-one help. Their services are extremely convenient, your child can connect to a tutor as often as they need help and on your schedule. How great would that be to have an online tutor that was there when your child was ready to work?

(Dual Residency: UT & KY) – There’s not too much in this world that a little retail therapy can’t fix—except maybe the empty hole in your heart from lost and undiscovered love. Tori Sanderson is no exception. Facing abandonment issues with her father, Tori sets out to find the real reason he left her. Along the way she discovers even deeper truths. Add in two matchmaking sisters plus a couple of attractive men vying for Tori’s attention, as well as a tempting job promotion possibility, and you’ve got one confused sister. Through it all, Tori searches for the love she’s been missing all these years.

Author Virginia Smith, presents Third Time’s a Charm, the third installment of the Sister-to-Sister Series.Page-turning humor surrounding the lives of three sisters will once again engage readers, while somber self-discovery will unveil Tori’s struggles, and perhaps a few of your own. In a world with more than a few dysfunctional families, this story will ring true for many.

About The Author

Virginia Smith recently contracted her twelfth book in four years. Previous books in the Sister-to-Sister series include: Stuck in the Middle and Age before Beauty. In 2008 she was named Writer-of-the-Year at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Stuck in the Middle was a finalist for American Christian Fiction Writers’ 2009 Book of the Year Award. A Taste of Murder was a finalist for the 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Ginny and husband, Ted, divide their time between Lexington, Kentucky, and Salt Lake City, Utah, escaping as often as possible for diving trips to the Caribbean. Admittedly, her adventurous outings are often as much fun as they are “book research.”

Interview With Virginia Smith

Interview Questions:

1. This book is the third and final book in your Sister-to-Sister Series. How did you feel when you completed this last book?

I felt a little sad, because I have lived with the characters for three years, and they’re very real to me. I’ll miss them. Plus, I wanted to leave readers with a good impression, so I was anxious for the last scene to be strong. I prayed over that last line for a long time, and when the words finally came, I got chills. They were absolutely the perfect wrap-up for the whole series. I still get tears whenever I read them.

2. Which of the sisters in this trilogy do you relate to the most? Why?

That’s a hard question to answer, because there is a piece of me in each of the Sanderson sisters. But I’d have to say I relate most closely with Tori, because she is professionally ambitious, and she struggles to balance her career and her personal life. I did that for over twenty years, so much of her conflict comes from my experiences.

3. You've been contracted to write 12 times in the last 4 years. To what do you attribute this success and how would you encourage others who are doing everything possible to get published?

Perseverance. I wrote for over twenty years before my first book, Just As I Am, was published. But I believed that the Lord gave me the desire to write, and even when my pile of rejections was growing (to an astounding 143 before my first publication!), I knew if He wanted me to write, I was going to keep writing. Even now – or maybe especially now – I trust Him for every story, every contract. Sometimes I still receive rejections, but I keep writing because He keeps giving me stories.

4. How is your relationship with your own sisters similar to Tori and her sisters? Did you pull from these sibling experiences when writing Third Time's a Charm? How?

I sure did! Actually, my sisters were the inspiration behind the whole Sister-to-Sister Series. They are the most incredible women in the world, and I wanted readers to glimpse the relationship we have. And they were excited to have starring roles in my stories. It was funny watching them try to identify themselves in the books, because I took characteristics from each of us and mixed them up to create each of the Sanderson sisters. Tori, for instance, is a career-minded person, like me. She’s creative, like one of my sisters. And she’s a big flirt, like the other sister. Uh… I’d better not identify who that is, or I’ll start a family feud!

5. What's next for Virginia Smith?

In May of this year I have a new book coming out from Steeple Hill. Researching A Daughter’s Legacy was a lot of fun, because it is set in a zoo! It’s my first straight romance, and was something of an experiment for me to see if I liked writing the genre. I loved it, and have a few ideas germinating in my mind for future romance novels.

Then later in the year, Into the Deep will hit bookstores. That’s a romantic suspense novel with a scuba diving theme. It takes place partly in Key West, and partly in Cozumel, Mexico. Can you tell I have a lot of fun researching my books?

"I was watching a DVD when I first envisioned Tori Sanderson. In Sweet Home Alabama, Reese Witherspoon is chic, petite, and more than a little headstrong. Plus, she’s ashamed of her upbringing, and therefore insecure even though she enjoys a successful career. That’s exactly how I pictured Tori as I wrote the first two books in the Sister-to-Sister Series. But Tori is several years younger than Reese, so as I wrote the opening chapter of Third Time’s a Charm, I was struggling to come up with the perfect visual image. One evening I saw an advertisement for “Samantha Who,” starring Christina Applegate. I jumped out of my chair and shouted, “That’s her! That’s Tori!” So I gave my character a curly perm to match Christina’s. I Googled the show’s cast and found Barry Watson, who became my model for the handsome handyman, Ryan Adams. And Mitch Jackson is modeled after Michael Weatherly, the gorgeous but suggestively inappropriate Tony DinNozzo on “NCIS.” Sounds like I’m a television junkie, doesn’t it? Not really, but I do like to have a visual image for characters as I write. It helps them come alive in my mind, and hopefully in the minds of my readers, too."

Review

I found this book to be a wonderful story, full of insightfulness. It was NOT what I was expecting. I was ready for the typical romance story and to my great surprise there was quite a bit more to the story. The characters had quite a bit of depth to them which really made me connect with them. This is a book that I'd highly recommend to others to read, and I really would like to go back and pick up the other books in the series to read. Smith is an excellent author and I'm really excited to add another favorite author to my list. Bravo to a well written, entertaining story!

And now for the fun stuff! Leave your comment for a chance to win!

A Grand Prizewill be awarded to one fortunate person who leaves a comment at one of the blog tours participating in the KCWC Third Time's a Charm blog tour. It includes:

The complete collection of Virginia Smith books, TEN in all (listed below), with a personal behind-the-scenes commentary written by the author - especially for this tour!

Sister-to-Sister Series, including: Stuck in the Middle, Age Before Beauty, and Third Time's A Charm.

Unforgettable Mayla Strong Books: Just As I Am and Sincerely Mayla.

Classical Trio Series from Love Inspired Suspense: A Taste of Murder, Murder at Eagle Summit, and Scent of Murder.

Murder By Mushroom

Bluegrass Peril

As required by the FTC: I received a review copy of this book in order to write my review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Did you make a new years resolution to get in shape? Need a bit of help staying motivated? Download this free workout audio – it’s the one used on The Biggest Loser show. And the best part is it’s completely free!!I’m downloading mine as we speak!!

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

***Special thanks to Bridgette Brooks of ZONDERKIDZ for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. "I think real-life experiences inspire the best friction," she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

Every year we lose more people to AIDS. It hasn't disappeared and it's not going away anytime soon. I urge you to seek out and support your local AIDS Organizations. Encourage everyone you know to practice safe sex and to get tested once a year. Even if you don't think you are at risk, get tested. I didn't think I was at risk either, and I almost died before I was diagnosed.